Golden
Gate Park -- Three locations for dogs, but only two are off-leash.
In a strip of land bounded by 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue, Lincoln Way
and Martin Luther King Way, there is an off-leash area but there are
no fences and lots of heavy traffic. Lots of foxtails, too!
Another official off-leash, unfenced area exists -- at 34th-38th Avenue
at Middle Drive and Martin Luther King Way. Same warnings as above!
Stowe Lake & Strawberry Hill (between 15th & 19th Avenues) off JFK
and MLK, is a fun place to take your leashed dog so it won't scare
away the water fowl.
Fort Funston -- This is a GGNRA-managed, off-leash paradise for
dogs!! Take Sloat Boulevard west, turn south on Skyline Boulevard (Hwy.
35) past Lake Merced. Near the crest of the hill, turn west, follow
a road to the right and Voila! A parking lot and lots of dogs with their
owners!! Have the time of your life -- but be aware of a few glitches.
Keep your dog away from the cliffs -- the rangers have had to rescue
several -- and out of the Bank Swallow habitat which is fenced. Dress
for probable wind-chill factors!
Lake Merced -- The city's largest body of water has an off-leash
area at the North end of the lake. Get there by taking Sunset Boulevard
south, turning right (West) onto Lake Merced Boulevard. Lots of heavy
car traffic as well as on the paved pedestrian/bike path that circles
the lake.
Stern Grove -- An incredible outdoor concert area is located
in a sunken valley surrounded by steep embankments. You can enter from
19th Avenue @ Sloat Boulevard or from Wawona Street between 21st & 23rd
Avenues. Dogs are not allowed in the concert area anymore, but are still
tolerated, on leash, in the surrounding hills. You can perch near the
off-leash dog-run area and enjoy one of the many Sunday afternoon offerings
of Opera, Operetta, Symphony or Musical Comedy. A great place for a
picnic, except you have to lug all your stuff!
Pine
Lake Park -- Adjacent to Stern Grove at Crestlake Drive & Wawona
Street, this is an on-leash area that boasts its own lake (Laguna Puerca)!!
Swimming is not allowed, but there's lots of mud to wallow in as long
as you steer clear of the Marsh!
